The Met Police will force the FA to bring forward the kick-off time of next month’s FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United due to safety concerns.
Mail Sport has learned that the police have classed the first ever all-Manchester derby Cup final on 3 June as a high-risk fixture and are refusing to sanction the FA’s preferred 5:30pm kick-off time.
The police ruling has left the FA facing potentially fraught negotiations with their broadcast partners, ITV and BBC, as well as officials from racing.
The logistical problems caused by police concerns have been exacerbated by a potential clash with the Derby at Epsom, which the Jockey Club have listed as being run at 4:30pm, but may now be brought forward.